Therapists in Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield, CA, is sometimes called “Nashville West” thanks to its contributions to country music. While Bakersfield has certainly influenced the genre, it did it in its own way. The electric-guitar-driven sound of Merle Haggard and Dwight Yoakum that dominated country music in the 1950s and early 1960s was known as the Bakersfield Sound. Are you looking to do something a little bit differently? Talking to a therapist Bakersfield CA can help you figure out how to do things your own way.
There are many types of therapy that may work for you: individual and group therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and Christian counseling, just to name a few. If you’re interested in a client centered approach to mental health services that you can access from your own home, consider signing up for counseling services with BetterHelp.
BetterHelp therapists in Bakersfield CA are qualified and licensed to practice therapy and have at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice. If you’re interested in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or are unsure what’s the best appraoch for you, a BetterHelp therapist can help. And, if you’re worried about therapy costs, subscriptions cost between $65 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks), which my be more affordable than many in-person treatment.
Working with a professional in the mental health field can help you learn how to manage difficult life transitions, trauma related issues, or any other challenges. Speak to a Bakersfield-based counselor below to get started.
Julie Borden
Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years offering treatment
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing counseling for more than twenty years. I have a master's degree in Social Welfare and experience in a wide range of areas, including grief and loss, stress management, parenting challenges, depression, and communication in relationships. I know that making the decision to start therapy, and reaching out to find someone you can trust, is a big step, often one that people think about for a long time before they actually take it. As you take that step today, I would like to offer some ideas about where this journey could take you. From my work with clients over the years, and from my own personal experience as well, I have come to see the process of therapy as something like looking through a new window, one that allows you to see your life and situation more clearly. In all of the challenges we face, big and small, perspective is key. Each of us is looking at our situation from the inside, in the way we have become accustomed to looking at it. This view is often fogged up and blurry. We are so close to it that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Therapy is about getting distance and perspective. This can come through insight, recognizing relationship patterns and being open to changing them, and questioning long-held assumptions that you didn’t realize you had until someone calls your attention to them. But as important as this awareness is, it usually needs to be followed with concrete steps in order to result in true change. Baby steps at first – in my experience we often underestimate the big results that can come from the smallest shifts. As we experiment with new behaviors, we begin to see ourselves differently. One small success doing something you didn’t think you could do can result in a ripple effect of seeing possibilities that you never knew were there before, and that is where real growth happens. My goal is to help people live more authentically, live with intention, and make deliberate and conscious choices rather than following old patterns that they never before thought to question. These ideas have brought me to some of the most important light bulb moments in my own life, and it brings me great happiness to see the moment that someone else begins to see that they have a wider range of options than they ever realized. If it sounds like I might be a good fit for you, I look forward to getting to know you, hearing the unique story that is yours alone, and working as a team as you find the clarity, peace, and confidence that will lead you to a brighter future.
Marla Monk
Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment
Marla Monk, MA, MSW, LCSW, LISWCP Clinician I have over 16 years of experience in the social work and mental health field. I also have experience working with the active duty military population and their families as well as veterans. Previously, I worked in Marine and Family Programs within Marine Corps Community Services as a Prevention and Education Specialist and as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. Additionally, I have volunteered as a Command Ombudsman with the Navy and a Key Volunteer with the Marine Corps in San Diego and Hawaii. In 2013, I earned my MSW from the University of Southern California with a concentration in mental health and sub-concentration in military and veteran services. In 2011 I earned MA in Human Services with a specialization in marriage and families from Liberty University and in 2001 earned my B.A. in Criminology from the University of New Mexico. I am experienced in working with those impacted by trauma, grief and loss and domestic violence as well as couples and families. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, I am trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Andres Hoyo
Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years offering treatment
Hi, my name is Andres Hoyo. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with over 7 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationship issues, parenting challenges general life stressors, and adverse perceptions of self-esteem. My counseling style is client-centered and non-judgmental. I believe in allowing my clients to take more of a lead during sessions, and I perceive the therapeutic process as a collaborative effort between myself and my clients, with my client’s perspective as the primary guide to self-discovery. I strive to encourage and support my clients to find their own solutions and identify their own personal strengths and resources, while providing them a comfortable and safe environment to process their emotions and thoughts. I think it takes courage to seek help, when we are feeling inadequate, unfulfilled, lonely, or managing any other negative emotions impacting our ability of live happy and fulfilling lives, so I strive to provide a comfortable environment for my clients to feel heard, safe and understood. So, if you are thinking about reaching out for help and need to feel safe and comfortable, I hope I can be of service to you to provide you with the support you need to take steps to improve your overall sense of well-being.
Erika Torres
Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
13 years offering treatment
Hi! My name is Erika, and I am an LMFT in California. I have been licensed for 13 years and have practiced in a variety of settings. Through therapy, I hope to help you become your best self and find joy in your life. When working with individuals, I utilize a variety of clinical approaches, including Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My counseling style is empowering, supportive, and direct....with a side of humor!:) I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help! I look forward to getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals, and experiencing joy in your life. Warm regards, Erika Torres, LMFT
Karen Graber
Clinician
License Type(s): MFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
11 years offering treatment
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California (#91262). I received my Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy in May 2010 from California State University, Northridge, and my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Psychology from New York University. I have worked at a number of clinics throughout Los Angeles, including Beit T'shuvah (an inpatient and outpatient addiction clinic), The Maple Counseling Center (where I treated adolescents at Beverly Hills High School and Moreno High School, as well as their families), and Jewish Family Service. I combine my education, training and experience to support and guide you to find the balance you are searching for in your life. Working together, you can attain your personal capacity for growth and change. I tailor therapy to your individual circumstances, so that you can find joy, fulfillment and self-compassion in your everyday life. I will help you to learn healthy coping strategies for long term use. I work from a client-centered, strengths-based approach, focusing on uncovering client's strengths and resources to move through their current struggles. I use a number of different modalities in my practice, catering to the client and their present circumstances. I also utilize psychodynamic techniques to uncover possible past strains that are recurring in the client's life and help to stop these dysfunctional patterns. I will incorporate mindfulness techniques and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) when appropriate in anxiety, phobia and trauma situations. (I am in the process of receiving EMDR certification.)
Jeffrey Sumpolec
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesBipolar disorderDepression
22 years offering treatment
Hello! Thanks for stopping by! I am a Licensed therapist in California with 20 years experience in private practice. I mainly see adults. I work well with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression and stress related disorders. I also see those with addictions and anger. Through person centered, and focusing on strengths and solutions, I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. I am certified in Brainspotting, and have incorporated that into therapy. I am a recent transplant to California from Virginia.
Patricia Gonzales Rocca
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Florida and California with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with life changes, self-esteem, motivation and coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Laurel Lass
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
22 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Jessica Bolet
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & coping with life changes. My expertise is with adolescent addictions, school success counseling, and new baby transitions. As a leader in the field, I am aware of latest practices, and will bring my best to every session to help you achieve your desired results. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Herman Kothe
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
27 years offering treatment
I am licensed in California with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in Bakersfield?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Bakersfield that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Bakersfield available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Bakersfield therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Bakersfield therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Bakersfield region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Bakersfield can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Bakersfield may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Bakersfield offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.
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